A local dad has started a bike bus at Rutherford School in the Bonnie Doon neighbourhood.
Kellen Westman has been using a bike to get around for more than two decades. He heard about the "bike bus" concept two years ago, and waited impatiently for two years until one of his kids was school-aged and he could set up his own bike bus.
"I just want to spread (active transportation) to everybody, and I've been doing that throughout my whole life, and I'm finding this is a really good tool to do that," Westman said. "Starting with kids is the most significant way to make any change, lasting generational changes."
Westman planned out a loop through the Bonnie Doon and Strathearn neighbourhoods with designated meeting zones along it, though kids can also join when the group passes their house. Adults help out on the ride at the front, as pilots; at the back, to support riders and make sure no one is left behind; and in the middle as a crossing supervisor to help everyone cross intersections safely. Westman rides up front on his cargo bike, pumping out dance tunes and offering instructions. Once the students make it to school they lock up their bikes and are rewarded with a snack. The group ride will take place every Tuesday. The group held the first official bike bus ride on Sept. 9, and about 20 kids rode along.
The bike bus concept has been around for decades, but became more formalized in recent years as active transportation has become more popular and vehicles have become larger. The average hood height of pickup trucks has increased by at least 11% since 2000. On some heavy-duty trucks, the front edge of the hood can be as much as 70 inches off the ground, making it difficult for the driver to see pedestrians, especially small children. In Edmonton last June, a three-year-old boy was killed and his mother and sister were injured when they were hit by the driver of a Ford F-150, a truck with a hood height of around 55 inches. Just last month, a 65-year-old woman died after the driver of a Ford F-350 hit her in a crosswalk in Edgemont. Research shows that taller vehicles are more likely to inflict serious injuries on a pedestrian in a collision.
The bike bus uses the safety of numbers, plus adult supervision, to allow kids to bike to and from school safely. But it's also just fun for kids, Westman said.
"The amount of engagement and joy that I see in these rides is very fulfilling, and I'm really excited to do more of them," he said.
Westman has created resources and guides for those looking to start a bike bus for their own elementary school. His goal is to have bike buses at 60 different schools — 30% of K to 6 schools in Edmonton — in the next five years. Those interested in starting a bike bus can nominate a school online. Westman encourages all parents and guardians to consider participating.
"You don't need to be a stay at home parent to be able to afford time to do this," he said. "I think anybody who normally drops off or picks up children can do it."